The Importance of National Security

Ezra Klein (an ex-Hartite) has some observations on the need for a Democrat candidate who is strong on Foreign Policy/Terrorism to take on Bush in the general election and comes to the conclusion that Clark's four stars are the trump card over all other challengers.

Dean has done a very good job of toughening up his persona of national security and foreign policy, he comes off as a fighter which is a reassuring thing to the electorate. As you can see with Kerry, they'll take a fighter without military experience over an academic with military experience any day of the week. For that reason, the persona Clark develops is going to be crucial in deciding who, between him and Dean, is the stronger nominee. If he goes the way of Kerry and starts looking weak, he'll lose. If he goes the way of Dean but has 4 stars on his chest, he'll win easily.